Discuss the theory that explains the overjustification effect
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: This is an important observation of self-determination theory, one supported by both cognitive dissonance theory and self-perception theory. It is significant because it means that, with the best intentions, individuals can undermine the motivation of others. Basically it is a phenomenon in which an individual is initially intrinsically motivated to do something because they find the activity interesting and engaging, inherently enjoyable and rewarding. Now, by the process of starting to externally reward this activity, the intrinsic motivation is devalued and what used to be an intrinsically motivated activity is now extrinsically motivated. This would be particularly disastrous for children and must occur all the time at the start of school. Suddenly an activity, like reading, that used to be done naturally is done only for external rewards that are furnished as part of a school program designed to engage students in reading. The exception to this is if a means of “reward” carries only information. In that case, overjustification tends not to occur.
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Leah, a 9-month-old infant, watches as her mother pushes a button on a toy and the toy beeps. Several hours later, Leah pushes the button and the toy beeps. This is an example of
a. deferred imitation. b. imitation. c. instrumental learning. d. classical conditioning.
Hank suffers from a prolonged and disturbed emotional state. He could be diagnosed as having a(n):
A. maladaptive disorder B. stress disorder C. schizophrenic disorder D. mood disorder
Valerie is insecure. She joins a celebrity fan club because she says it makes her feel good about herself. She is most likely using the defense mechanism of
a. regression. c. reaction formation. b. displacement. d. identification.
Sherman sees a woman trip and fall. He assumes this happened because the sidewalk is uneven. Sherman is relying on what to make his decision?
A. external attribution B. covariation model of attribution C. internal attribution D. principle of noncommon effects